Since mosquitoes are the only vectors of this disease, getting rid of mosquitoes is essential for the prevention of malaria.

World Malaria Day is observed on April 25 every year to spread awareness about malaria, the mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by a parasite called Plasmodium. These parasites invade red blood cells and liver cells. They are commonly spread from an infected person to a non-infected person through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito, but can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to the foetus, through blood transfusions, organ donations, and use of contaminated needles or syringes.

Malaria can cause high fever, sweating, chills, nausea and flu-like symptoms. In severe cases, it can also cause organ failures, seizures, coma, or death.

As recommended by Ayurveda expert Dr Sajitha K, Head of Department, Swasthavritti and Yog at The Art of Living’s Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research Hospital, here are some natural ways in which we can keep mosquitoes away, protect ourselves from malaria and also strengthen our immune system to fight back these deadly parasites:

• Maintain a clean environment and reduce garbage and stagnation of water in your home and surroundings, as these are the potential breeding places for mosquitoes.

• Plants like Tulsi act as natural mosquito repellent and thus, keeping tulsi plants in your home will be helpful in keeping it mosquito free.

• In places where there is an outbreak of malaria, avoid going out in the dark, wear full sleeves and full-length clothes and keep your body covered as much as possible; use mosquito repellents in combination with mosquito nets for better protection while sleeping.

In places where the outbreak is severe, it is necessary that a blood test of every individual in the locality is done since some people might be infected without showing any symptoms of malaria. If such persons are left untreated, they can carry parasites inside their bodies for a longer duration, thus posing a threat to other individuals in the area. It is also equally important that every individual takes responsibility for keeping the surroundings clean. Cleanliness will not only help in the prevention of malaria but will also help eradicate a number of such diseases.